SALT LAKE CITY — Often, honesty is the basis of good acts.

Every week, readers share stories of kindness that they have experienced, and more often than not, these kind acts boil down to doing the right thing.

This week, we hear stories about things being returned, time being shared and giving back.

On returning what was lost:

Virginia B.

"In March I received an anonymous letter. There was no return address or name, but the postmark came from 84107. In it were my missing Utah Shakespeare Festival tickets. I ordered them online nearly three weeks ago and wondered where they were. The letter came with a note saying 'These were stuck to my tickets. I thought you might like to have them.' I am so grateful that this anonymous person went ahead and sent me my tickets instead of keeping them for themselves."

On comforting those who need it:

Becky C.

"I was going to be stranded in Denver overnight due to missing a connecting flight after delays. I was traveling with my 1-year-old and was in tears. A woman I'd never met came and offered to put my child and me up in a hotel for the night. I didn't take her up on her offer, I had family to stay with, but her compassion for my child and me made my night so much easier. She hugged me and even cried a little with me. I am so grateful to her."

On being courteous:

LeeAnne J.

"In March, we were camping in Snow Canyon State Park. My husband had asked me to make sure the storage compartments on our trailer were locked tight. I asked him for the keys and he said he had it so I assumed he locked the main compartment he was standing by. Fast forward 20 minutes and someone on I-15 motions for us to pull over. It turns out that when we had pulled out of the park, the contents of our storage had fallen out on the road (an expensive cordless drill, chocks, and leveling blocks).

"These kind people had taken the time to get out of their vehicle, collect our belongings and then follow us for quite some time until they could get our attention. They were angels that day — the goods were expensive and I would hate to replace them — but even more scary to me was that someone could have gotten hurt on the road by our debris. I am so thankful for these thoughtful strangers!"

On giving up your place:

Related:

4 ways someone made someone's day

Everyone has different talents or skills that can make them uniquely able to help in certain situations. This week, our readers sent us stories of different ways they helped or were helped by another.

B. Hatch"Our son made some poor decisions and ended up in Utah State Prison. Our extended family planned a visit one Sunday. One sister and husband drove from St. George and upon arriving, the guards announced that there was a limit to the number of visitors in one day.

"Frustrated, the sister stated that they had traveled five hours for the visit. Immediately a lady and husband said 'you can have our place.' The next few minutes were hurried and we couldn't properly thank these special people. Only two members of our family could visit, but the couple made everyone's day!"

On giving back to those who served:

John R.

"As a veteran I'm always on the lookout for acts of kindness to my brothers and sisters. There is a young man who owns his own Barber Shop in Kaysville, simply named, My Barber. I have just learned, that this very busy, and kindhearted young man, Raleigh Morris, dedicates Saturdays to give men at the veterans home in Ogden haircuts at no charge — none whats so ever. A small act by some, but a true act of kindness nonetheless."

Have you seen any moments of service or kindness? Do you want to share a story about something that made your day? Email a brief story (100 words or fewer) along with any photos or video to crosenlof@ksl.com.

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